Middle Eastern modestwear brand Leem has become the first regional name to be stocked on Selfridges.com, the online portal of famed London department store Selfridges.
As the first brand from the region to become part of the store's world-class fashion offering, this is a big moment not only for the label, but also for regional designers and modestwear.
Founded in Saudi Arabia in 2018, Leem is known for its contemporary modestwear, which translates into breezy separates, dresses, kaftans and bisht. Seen through a contemporary lens, this arrives as fluid tops, palazzo trousers and dresses in flattering plisse pleating. There is ombre colouring, geometric patterning and, best of all, well cut-dresses that could backbone even the snappiest of wardrobes, with pieces priced between $99 and $250.
Cut with the demands of modern life in mind, Leem's pieces offer full coverage, yet never overwhelm thanks to small but important details such as dresses offered in two lengths, and the addition of tight cuffs to many sleeves.
While this may sound trivial, in reality it offers the freedom to embrace voluminous sleeves without worrying about dipping them in your coffee, and gives women the freedom to style a shorter dress with trousers or boots for a fresh take. As with all things design related, it is these details that speak volumes, with clothes made for purpose and with busy women in mind, without losing their light and fashionable feel.
More updates on staples include adding a cowl neck to kaftans, creating sweatshirt-like dresses that pair well with trainers, and giving batwing dresses a 1980s swoosh of silvery sequins down one arm, ideal for a night out with friends. There is even a rhinestone-studded high-neck knitted dress that would be right at home in Paris and Milan.
A black, polo-neck intarsia dress with white clouds gathered across the torso, meanwhile, is chic and wearable, while a ribbed white caped shawl offers an edgy alternative to cold weather dressing. High-waisted trousers in high-shine silver add a blast of on-trend bling.
The trick to bringing modestwear to a new audience lies in creating interesting, wearable pieces that just happen to be modest, which Leem has proved it can do on repeat.
Now, as it goes global, Leem is bringing its designs to a wider audience. For the winter season, it is doubling down on the notion of comfort dressing with soft knits such as waffle-knitted jogging bottoms and cable-knit cardigans, while nodding to its heritage via some farwa coats, either quilted or in shearling.
For those not familiar with the traditional Saudi coat, the farwa is worn long and oversized, and is possibly the cosiest, most snuggle-inducing top layer this writer has encountered, so having new versions available online is a boon.
Speaking of the announcement, Miles Young, managing director of Al Hala Group, Leem’s parent company said: "We were thrilled to be expanding Leem's presence internationally ... Selfridges is the perfect platform to showcase our unique aesthetic."
Established in 1909, Selfridges holds a beloved place in the London mindset. Adored by Brits and tourists alike, it is a must-see for all those who visit the capital for its vaulted halls and astonishing choice.
That same array is now available online alongside new digital-only additions, of which Leem is one. A savvy move, it allows smaller brands to partner with the department store without having to commit to brutal production schedules and having physical stock tied up on the retail shop floor, while opening the door to a new, global market.
How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
The specs
- Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
- Power: 640hp
- Torque: 760nm
- On sale: 2026
- Price: Not announced yet
More coverage from the Future Forum
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
The White Lotus: Season three
Creator: Mike White
Starring: Walton Goggins, Jason Isaacs, Natasha Rothwell
Rating: 4.5/5
The candidates
Dr Ayham Ammora, scientist and business executive
Ali Azeem, business leader
Tony Booth, professor of education
Lord Browne, former BP chief executive
Dr Mohamed El-Erian, economist
Professor Wyn Evans, astrophysicist
Dr Mark Mann, scientist
Gina MIller, anti-Brexit campaigner
Lord Smith, former Cabinet minister
Sandi Toksvig, broadcaster
More from Rashmee Roshan Lall
Real estate tokenisation project
Dubai launched the pilot phase of its real estate tokenisation project last month.
The initiative focuses on converting real estate assets into digital tokens recorded on blockchain technology and helps in streamlining the process of buying, selling and investing, the Dubai Land Department said.
Dubai’s real estate tokenisation market is projected to reach Dh60 billion ($16.33 billion) by 2033, representing 7 per cent of the emirate’s total property transactions, according to the DLD.
MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW
Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman
Director: Jesse Armstrong
Rating: 3.5/5
Dust and sand storms compared
Sand storm
- Particle size: Larger, heavier sand grains
- Visibility: Often dramatic with thick "walls" of sand
- Duration: Short-lived, typically localised
- Travel distance: Limited
- Source: Open desert areas with strong winds
Dust storm
- Particle size: Much finer, lightweight particles
- Visibility: Hazy skies but less intense
- Duration: Can linger for days
- Travel distance: Long-range, up to thousands of kilometres
- Source: Can be carried from distant regions
ESSENTIALS
The flights
Emirates flies from Dubai to Phnom Penh via Yangon from Dh2,700 return including taxes. Cambodia Bayon Airlines and Cambodia Angkor Air offer return flights from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap from Dh250 return including taxes. The flight takes about 45 minutes.
The hotels
Rooms at the Raffles Le Royal in Phnom Penh cost from $225 (Dh826) per night including taxes. Rooms at the Grand Hotel d'Angkor cost from $261 (Dh960) per night including taxes.
The tours
A cyclo architecture tour of Phnom Penh costs from $20 (Dh75) per person for about three hours, with Khmer Architecture Tours. Tailor-made tours of all of Cambodia, or sites like Angkor alone, can be arranged by About Asia Travel. Emirates Holidays also offers packages.
Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champioons League semi-final:
First leg: Liverpool 5 Roma 2
Second leg: Wednesday, May 2, Stadio Olimpico, Rome
TV: BeIN Sports, 10.45pm (UAE)
More on animal trafficking
'Panga'
Directed by Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari
Starring Kangana Ranaut, Richa Chadha, Jassie Gill, Yagya Bhasin, Neena Gupta
Rating: 3.5/5
How to join and use Abu Dhabi’s public libraries
• There are six libraries in Abu Dhabi emirate run by the Department of Culture and Tourism, including one in Al Ain and Al Dhafra.
• Libraries are free to visit and visitors can consult books, use online resources and study there. Most are open from 8am to 8pm on weekdays, closed on Fridays and have variable hours on Saturdays, except for Qasr Al Watan which is open from 10am to 8pm every day.
• In order to borrow books, visitors must join the service by providing a passport photograph, Emirates ID and a refundable deposit of Dh400. Members can borrow five books for three weeks, all of which are renewable up to two times online.
• If users do not wish to pay the fee, they can still use the library’s electronic resources for free by simply registering on the website. Once registered, a username and password is provided, allowing remote access.
• For more information visit the library network's website.
What is Reform?
Reform is a right-wing, populist party led by Nigel Farage, a former MEP who won a seat in the House of Commons last year at his eighth attempt and a prominent figure in the campaign for the UK to leave the European Union.
It was founded in 2018 and originally called the Brexit Party.
Many of its members previously belonged to UKIP or the mainstream Conservatives.
After Brexit took place, the party focused on the reformation of British democracy.
Former Tory deputy chairman Lee Anderson became its first MP after defecting in March 2024.
The party gained support from Elon Musk, and had hoped the tech billionaire would make a £100m donation. However, Mr Musk changed his mind and called for Mr Farage to step down as leader in a row involving the US tycoon's support for far-right figurehead Tommy Robinson who is in prison for contempt of court.
The specs
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm
Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km
On sale: December
Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)
